To comment on the following update, log in, then open the issue: http://www.openoffice.org/issues/show_bug.cgi?id=109523 Issue #|109523 Summary|Parallel Book Columns feature in Writer Component|Word processor Version|OOo 3.2 Platform|All URL|http://user.services.openoffice.org/en/forum/viewtopic |.php?f=7&t=27859 OS/Version|All Status|UNCONFIRMED Status whiteboard| Keywords| Resolution| Issue type|FEATURE Priority|P3 Subcomponent|configuration Assigned to|writerneedsconfirm Reported by|scratchyboy
------- Additional comments from [email protected] Mon Feb 22 21:19:08 +0000 2010 ------- This is a feature that is lacking from all versions of open office 1, 2 and 3. AS the suite has become more professional, it is now time to add this feature of parallel columns to the Writer. It is a desperately needed feature for many book writers, editors, and printers -- and it would really enhance the stature of Open Office further above MS Word. The basic needs are summarized in this Q: http://user.services.openoffice.org/en/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=27859 Think of column flow DOWN pages (not across a page, like newspaper columns)-- column 1 of the odd page always carries down as column 1 of the odd pages, and likewise for the other columns on odd or even pages. It is essential to allow for different setups of the odd and even pages, as this is how most books large are printed. The column layouts of the odd pages are different than the even, as are the footer and header layouts. It seems fairly easy to add this feature to the current set of Writer features. All you need is a "parallel columns" choice, and these sub-choices: 1. make odd-page layout different(or same as) the even page layout 2. make odd page footer/header layouts different (or same as) even pages There is a page setup for the odd pages and another for the even pages. When in column mode, Writer needs only check whether the new page is odd or even, to decide the format. There also needs to be a way to change number of columns in each layout without affecting the other. Then in 2 page facing view, all columns are lined up, and remain synchronized, as the user scrolls down the pages. Line synchronization is a crucial feature. Obsolete WordPerfect used to do this (Word dropped it, and used tables, which OO followed). In both cases, the layout is unstable over long numbers of pages, and is too easy in WordPerfect to destroy by accidentally moving a column line, or in Word, by accidentally changing the table column size while editing. Even in OO Writer, it is not possible to develop different column layouts for odd and even pages, and have them persist down the pages. Even if a table is made, one cannot synchronize the lines, sentences or paragraphs without having to repeatedly make new cells. Also, a table change affects both pages, but in parallel column book mode, the left pages are totally independent of the right. Remember, when it comes to printing a book, you need separate pages in the editor to be able to print the pages separately -- i.e. you cannot use a large page size like 11x17 in landscape mode with 4 columns, because you can't print the left and right "pages" separately -- hence you cannot print the book. Think how easily this new feature can be added to Writer. It is the most valuable enhancement you can add to the product -- no current word processor does it correctly (Lotus WordPro and Wordperfect used to, but both fail at maintaining the layout -- they are not robust). OO writer could do this easily. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Please do not reply to this automatically generated notification from Issue Tracker. Please log onto the website and enter your comments. http://qa.openoffice.org/issue_handling/project_issues.html#notification --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected] For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected] For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
